It comes as no surprise this versatile amino acid – the most abundant – is in most workout supplements: it helps preserve muscle mass, increase human growth hormone (HGH) levels, and boost the immune system.

In addition, glutamine helps amp up post-workout recovery. No wonder guys from the Golden Era of Bodybuilding raved about it.

Universal Nutrition LAVA’s third main ingredient is 1.2 grams of taurine per serving.

Just so you know, taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid which helps increase exercise endurance, ward off fatigue, protect red blood cells from oxidative stress, and regulate cholesterol levels.

All in all, Universal Nutrition LAVA’s creatine monohydrate, glutamine, and taurine components make up a potent combination. We believe this combo will help take your workouts to the next level.

On the other hand, one thing which sets Universal LAVA apart from the rest of the field is its GlycoCarb Complex, comprised of dextrose, glucose polymers, and maltodextrin).

The folks at Universal Nutrition realize you use up your glycogen stores after a hard workout, which is why they formulated a top-notch carb blend.

The first component, dextrose, is a fast-absorbing simple sugar which helps replenish your depleted glycogen stores. It is also known for its ability to create an insulin spike as soon as you consume it.

Insulin is an anabolic hormone which helps your muscles absorb key nutrients such as glucose and amino acids. We can sum up its value after a grueling training session: irreplaceable.

For their part, glucose polymers are extended chains of glucose which help increase energy levels. We like their inclusion in Universal Nutrition LAVA’s GlycoCarb Complex.

The third component of this complex is maltodextrin, a complex carbohydrate derived from corn, rice, or potato starch.

Many post-workout supplements have maltodextrin, which metabolizes slower than dextrose. The advantage: you won’t experience a sudden crash of insulin and glucose because of the slow absorption.

Translation: more health benefits in the forms of a stronger immune system and better anti-bacterial properties, among others.

So, with Universal Nutrition LAVA, you not only get to grow and repair muscle tissue, and speed up recovery, you also reap other health benefits.

Need evidence?

“To the basic formula, we’ve added key vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and phosphate co-factors such as chromium picolinate, Vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, to name a few,” per its official website.

Universal Nutrition LAVA is loaded, folks.

Let’s check out the formula ingredients:

Calories, 278: A typical post-workout without protein and carb components have around 10-100 calories. Universal Nutrition LAVA has a high caloric content at 278 per serving (per 2.5 scoops). It also has 22 grams of fat per serving. If you want a low-calorie post-workout, this is not the product for you.

Total fat, 2.4 g: Universal Nutrition LAVA’s overall fat content is low at four percent of the daily value. It’s saturated fat content (seven percent of the daily value) is slightly higher, but it doesn’t pose as a health threat.

Total carbohydrate, 32 g: This product is a somewhat high-carb supplement because of its GlycoCarb Complex. Its 11 percent daily value for carbs isn’t exorbitant. However, the 22 grams of sugar per serving is. If you’re monitoring your sugar intake, best to steer clear.

Vitamin E (as D-Alpha Tocopheryl), 30 IU: This product is also a tremendous source of Vitamin E at 100 percent of the daily value. This vitamin helps ward off free radicals, improve cardiovascular health, and boost hair and skin health. Plus, Vitamin E is known for its anti-aging effects.

Niacin (as niacinamide), 20 mg: Universal Nutrition LAVA is also teeming with niacin, a.k.a. Vitamin B3, which helps boost cardiovascular health and regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. You can’t ask for anything more at a whopping 100 percent of the daily value for this nutrient, which is common among post-workouts.

Phosphorus, 250 mg: This supplement may not have as much phosphorus as the three preceding nutrients, but it is still a significant source, nonetheless. Phosphorus helps improve bone health, detoxify the body, utilize nutrient absorption, improve digestion, and boost energy levels – all important post-workout benefits. Awesome.

Magnesium (as magnesium oxide), 200 mg: If you want to increase your energy levels and improve digestion and sleep quality, you should up your magnesium intake. Universal Nutrition LAVA has 50 percent of the daily value for magnesium, which is high.

Sodium, 180 mg: Universal Nutrition LAVA does not go overboard on its sodium content at just eight percent of the daily value. Still, those who are monitoring their sodium intake should try limiting themselves to five percent of the daily value at most.

Potassium, 360 mg: This mineral helps boost cardiovascular health and regulate sodium levels in the body. At 10 percent of the daily value for this nutrient, Universal Nutrition LAVA is a decent – not great – source of potassium.

“Carminic acid” is a substance found in high concentration in cochineal insects” and “mixed with aluminum or calcium salts to make carmine dye,” per GentleWorld.org.

It’s also been linked to certain side effects such as allergies and asthma, per the same source.

Memo to the manufacturer: you could have used a natural food coloring with health benefits such as red beet powder instead.

As a parting shot, the real spoiler of this product is the taste – it’s by far one of the more mediocre-tasting post-workouts we’ve ever tried. Other consumers have the same sentiment.

Perhaps a new flavor should be in the offing here?

Universal Nutrition LAVA Benefits

Universal Nutrition LAVA has the following benefits, per its official website:

5.5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving

Helps increase strength and muscle mass

Boosts energy levels

Helps increase creatine uptake

We agree with these claims. Although it’s not a perfect product, Universal Nutrition LAVA can help you achieve – and even conquer – your post-workout goals.

Who Takes It?

Universal Nutrition LAVA is intended for healthy and active individuals who are at least 18 years of age and who want to increase strength, muscle mass, and endurance. It’s also ideal for people who want to shorten recovery time and achieve their regular fitness goals.

Any Side Effects?

Although Universal Nutrition LAVA has no glaring side effects, individuals who are monitoring their sugar intake should be wary of its 22 grams of sugar per serving. We advise them to consult a physician before purchasing this product.

Please also note the possible side effects of aspartame and carmine, as we previously stated.